Do I need any specific qualifications to be a governor?

There are no specific qualifications needed to be a governor. You may find the following information useful to help you decide whether or not you have got what it takes to be a school governor.

The role of a governing board

The main functions of a governing board, as outlined by the government are:

• ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction of the school
• holding the headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils, and the performance management of staff
• overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent

The qualities and skills that governors need

Experience has shown that for governing boards to be about carry out these roles all their governors need:

• a strong commitment to the role and this includes dedicating your time regularly during each the school term and throughout the year to carrying out your duties
• a strong commitment to making sure there are high aspirations for the all the children in your school and a commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for all the pupils
• to be naturally inquisitive and have the ability to question and analyse, and a willingness to learn
• good inter-personal skills
• appropriate levels of literacy in English (unless a governing board is prepared to make special arrangements), and sufficient numeracy skills to understand basic data
• the skills to understand the particular ethos of the school and its implications for the way it is governed, if they are a governor of a faith school
• to carry out the role to the highest standards and, as the holder of a public office, to adhere to the seven principles of public life, which are selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership

Governing boards also look to make sure that some of their governors have the expertise and experience:

• in analysing performance data
• in budgeting and driving financial efficiency
• in performance management and employment issues, including grievances
• to work constructively in committees, chair meetings and to lead the governing board

Are you interested in becoming a governor?

If you are interested, please contact the school where you would like to get involved or contact governor services for more information.

You can find the contact details for the schools in Salford with the school and college finder.

This page was last updated on 22 February 2023